High-quality service in a car service is impossible without modern technological equipment. For the tire workshop, the central place in the list of tools is occupied by the stand (or machine), on which the operations of removing, pressing and installing rubber are directly performed. Massive machines are used for trucks, which are also capable of providing a higher power impact. But in this segment there are different offers, options and equipment modifications. The knowledge of its features, technical parameters and functional equipment will help you choose the right tire fitting stand for trucks.
What is the design of the stand?
The components of a typical stand can be divided into several groups - load-bearing elements, clamping equipment, power mechanisms and auxiliary devices. Bearing elements include an easel platform with legs or supports - this part is implemented in different ways, but in any case stability and stability are important for it. As for the clamping devices, they are constituted by the console, hydraulic equipment, a spring and, in some operations, a rotary platform. The power filling is already involved in the workflow, which drives the tire stand. The description of this piece of equipment depends on the type of drive, but in modern machines it is implemented pneumatically. This mechanism allows the operator to save time by coping with heavy loads. In some models, the manual principle of operation is still preserved, but it is rather peculiar to stands designed for servicing cars. Machine tools for trucks today are more inclined to automation, which will be discussed below.
Varieties
Indeed, the separation by type of drive can be called key in relation to the classification of tire stands. Again, it makes no sense to consider manual mechanics, since it is preserved only in museums, but not in modern car services. If we talk about traditional and conservative solutions, then these will include semi-automatic units. They use hydraulics or pneumatics as a power unit, but the operator puts it into action - also manually, but with minimal effort. These are cheap machines, which are distinguished by the reliability of the design, but even the outwardly modern appearance does not save them from technological obsolescence against the background of fully automated counterparts. The possibilities offered by a truck tire automatic stand go far beyond mere ergonomics. Interaction with the drive and the functionality of the unit is carried out through the remote control - wired or remote. The operator sets the speed, clamping force and other parameters with which the machine will work. Further, by pressing a single button, the user starts the workflow. In several stages, the technician independently updates the wheel.
Performance characteristics
The main working characteristic is the diameter of the wheel with which the machine can basically work. But with it, you need to take into account the width of the product. As a rule, these are interconnected parameters. So, the maximum wheel diameter for trucks is 90-98 inches. This is the limit, at least for common equipment that often uses tire fitting services. These values should be guided as the maximum indicator of the diameter of tires. But this does not mean that this quantity should be finite. The middle segment should not be ignored either. Universal machines, for example, also cope with diameters of 59-63 inches. As for the width, it is better to select equipment for truck tire fitting, designed for a format of 30-59 inches. Wide coverage will benefit in this case, as the workshop will accept a larger number of customers.
Power characteristics
Machine tools usually run on an electric motor. Another thing is that some models are powered by 220 V power supply, while others - from a three-phase outlet 380 V. In general, the power range can be represented in the corridor from 1 to 3 kW or more. It is in the case of truck wheels that we are talking about exceeding the threshold by 3 kW and, accordingly, connecting to a network of 380 V. But even in this category there are exceptions if a pneumatic drive with a compressor unit has been introduced into the working infrastructure . Such additions minimize the load on the network, replenishing it with the supply of compressed air under pressure. But will a combined tire changer stand for trucks work in practice? It will be fully justified if energy efficiency issues are put at the forefront. Pneumatics reduces not only the force from the electric motor, but also the cost of electricity. True, connecting a compressor technically complicates the complex and requires deeper maintenance.
Dimensions of machines
Car service stands are famous for their large size, but in this case we are talking about a small area. Modest in size machines require 6-8 m2, taking into account not only the equipment itself, but also the technological service area. If every centimeter is counted in a cramped room, then it is worth giving preference to small stands - on the market you can find boxes with parameters of 90 by 100 cm. But in this case, there is still the risk of over-constraining the work process. Therefore, equipment for truck tire fitting of 180-200 cm format will nevertheless become the optimal solution. In addition, approximately a meter radius should remain for freedom of movement of the installer.
Functional support
The inclusion of a “third hand” in integrated stands was a fashionable trend among tire manufacturers. This is an option due to which the operator can press the tire edge during its mounting on the disk. In addition, the “hand” copes well with low-profile rubber, which is often abandoned in ordinary workshops. A modern tire changer for trucks is less and less dispensed with the tire inflation function. Using a complete gun connected to the same compressor, the operator can fill the truck tire with air in just a few minutes.
Price issue
The cost of the stand is determined by many factors, including technical specifications, sizes, optional set, power filling data, etc. If we talk about the initial level, then a truck tire changer in Moscow can cost 50-70 thousand rubles. It will be a solid design with a minimum set of additional functions and average power, but it will do for typical actions.
In terms of manufacturers, it is better to turn to the brands Trommelberg, AE&T and Sivik. These are specialized vehicle equipment manufacturers trusted by professionals. Another thing is that it will be an expensive tire-changing stand for trucks, the price of which even in the middle category can reach 200-300 thousand.
Selection Tips
Professional employees of car repair shops recommend focusing on high-tech solutions. They allow attracting new customers with their novelty and functionality. As for the design and dimensions, in this part it is advisable to look into the future. The machine should be compact, which will make it possible to expand it optionally, adding other tools to the work area. For example, a powerful tire changer for trucks, which operates on a 380 V network, will certainly require additions in the form of a generator set. In the event of voltage drops, it will be able to replace the power source.
Conclusion
The latest models of installation equipment for auto repair shops are less and less characterized by productivity, and more by ergonomics and functionality. Moreover, the effectiveness is also not satisfactory. Automation adequately copes with its tasks even without the direct participation of the operator. Moreover, truck tire changers, stands and boxes for inflating tires are actively interfaced with computer diagnostic equipment. The simplest example is an indication system that not only captures pressure indicators, notifying the operator about them, but also gives information about temperature, state of rubber and other properties of the product being serviced. The expansion of diagnostic capabilities, in turn, allows you to more accurately coordinate the work of the mechanics of the stand, which is a new stage in the development of tire fitting equipment.